History of Indian art Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

History of Indian art - Research Paper Example 2000 years ago the Indian sub continent came under the rule of the Kushans and during this period we see the first images of Buddha in stone and plaster. These sculptures were made for shrines and monasteries in the Gandhara region and the city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. The sculptures particularly from Gandhara show a distinct Hellenistic influence which involves naturalistic depiction of human body, rich draperies that define the rounded shape of the body, symbolic postures, use of Halo behind the head and clear hand gestures like meditating, teaching and protecting. Buddha’s face is shown with expressions of tranquility and inner satisfaction. He has clearly modeled fish shaped eyes, straight nose, elongated earlobes and curly hair tied in a bun. Gandhara region also shows sculptures of Buddha as a royal figure with moustache, flowing hair, adorned with jewelry, dressesd in robes and sandals with clarity of facial expression. Apart from free standing sculptures of Buddha, we also find reliefs showing Buddha along with his devotees in meditation, scenes of sermon, and stories from the life of young Buddha, female Yakshi figures along with Buddha. 3 Central Indian temples are also known for their depictions of sexual scenes in sculptural reliefs of couples known as Mithunas. We often find these Mithunas in various Indian temples showing love making scenes since it was regarded as a divine practice. The women are always shown with full breasts, narrow waist and ample hips adorned with bangles and necklaces. 3Short essay on the Sculpture of Gupta age One of the most prominent sculptures of North India is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, Sarnath and it gives a hint of the grandeur of Mauryan Empire. The Kushana kings encourage the gandhara artists to make sculptures of Buddha’s life and jatakas. Excavations also show mythical figures and animals like atlantes, tritons, dragons and sea serpents. Sculptures are also decorated with acanthus, laurel and vi ne, Indian motifs, lion heads and lotus petals. Though we now see representation of Buddha in human form but still him symbolic interpretation was used alongside in the form of white elephant, boddhi tree, lotus flower, bull, chakra etc. We also find many sculptures of the highly adorned Bodhisattvas or Buddha as a prince before Nirvana. Gupta style: The Gupta style is said to have no foreign influence but is purely Indian in nature and existed during the time of Gupta dynasty 4th century AD. During this period sculptures flourished in aesthetics and accuracy. The prominent names sites for Gupta sculptures